Cook mis-timed a cut fractionally short of point as the noise levels from the excitable Sri Lankan fielders intensified.

Malinga was called upon for a final effort, but the opening delivery of his new spell was a short leg-side no-ball and helped on its way to the fine-leg fence by Pietersen, a sequence that was repeated in the same over.

Pietersen did not last much longer, however, beaten all ends up by a skidding delivery from Murali that trapped him bang in front for 13.

But Cook played in sensible fashion throughout, waiting for the bad ball, and cut his third boundary to take the runs required to 10.

They bowled really good areas but our batting lacked the fighting spirit